Radionuclide cystogram

A radionuclide cystogram is a special imaging test called a nuclear scan that checks how well your bladder and urinary tract work.

Alternative Names:

Bladder scan

How the test is performed:

The specific procedure may vary slightly depending on the reason for the examination.

You will lie on scanner table. After cleaning the urinary opening, the health care provider will place a thin flexible tube, called a catheter, through the urethra and into the bladder. A liquid containing radioactive material flows into the bladder until the bladder is full or you say that your bladder feels full.

The scanner detects radioactivity to check your bladder and urinary tract. When the scan is done depends on the suspected problem. You may be asked to urinate into a urinal, bedpan, or towels while being scanned.

To test for incomplete bladder emptying, images may be taken with the bladder full. Then you will be allowed to get up and urinate into the toilet and return to the scanner. Images are taken immediately after emptying the bladder.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no special preparation needed. You will need to sign a consent form. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown. Remove jewelry and metal objects before the scan.

How the test will feel:

You may feel some discomfort when the catheter is inserted. Catheterization and urination in public -- sometimes, when lying on the table -- may be difficult or embarrassing. You cannot feel the radioisotope or the scanning.

After the scan, you may feel slight discomfort for 1 or 2 days when you urinate. The urine may be slightly pink. If you have persistent discomfort, a fever, or bright red urine, contact your health care provider.

Why the test is performed:

This test is done to see how your bladder empties and fills. It can be used to check for urine reflux or an obstruction in urine flow. It is usually done to evaluate patients with urinary tract infections, particularly children.

Normal Values:

A normal value is no reflux or other abnormal urine flow, and no obstruction to the flow of urine occurs. The bladder empties completely.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal results may be due to:

Abnormal bladder response to pressure -- could be due to a nerve problem or other disorder

Blockage of the urethra
urethral obstruction -- most commonly due to an enlarged prostate gland

What the risks are:

Risks are the same as for x-rays (radiation) and catheterization of the bladder.

There is a small amount of radiation exposure with any nuclear scan (it comes from the radioisotope, not the scanner). The exposure is less than with standard x-rays. The radiation is very mild, and virtually all radiation is gone in a short time. However, any radiation exposure is discouraged for women who are or might be pregnant.

Risks for catheterization include urinary tract infection and (rarely) damage to the urethra, bladder, or other nearby structures.

References:

Bauer R, Kogan BA. New Developments in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric UTIs. Urol Clin North Am. 2008;35:47-58.

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